Dear Abby: My 81-year-old mother died suddenly, and as her oldest daughter, I was asked to give her eulogy. I was told by our church that I needed to submit my remarks to the priest beforehand, to make sure they were “appropriate.”

At the funeral Mass, when the priest, who knew my mother only by sight, began his homily, he used the exact words and phrases from my own eulogy. I was, naturally, taken aback at his using my own heartfelt words, which I had labored over and rehearsed for two days. When it was time to speak, I was able to recover enough to reference “Father’s” remarks earlier – but it was extremely upsetting to suddenly hear my words coming out of his mouth. I could understand if he had wanted to coordinate his remarks with mine, but he outright stole them.

I feel that by requiring me to submit my eulogy in advance, the priest was provided with the “CliffsNotes” he needed to do his homily. I was also upset that he did not counsel my family, or attend her wake or the interment.

When I returned to the funeral home to pick up the photographs of my mother, I discussed my feelings of profound disappointment with the funeral director. He told me it wasn’t the first time he’d heard this complaint about this priest, and that I should write the priest a letter.

On one hand, I feel my mother would be upset if I create a conflict with the parish. On the other, I wonder how many other grieving mourners will sit in a front pew during a funeral Mass, astounded when this priest pre-empts their eulogy. Should I write a letter to the priest or let it go? – Upset In Upstate New York

Dear Upset: Your feelings are justified. The priest who plagiarized your eulogy was a thief. He stole your intellectual property to make himself look good at your expense, and he should be ashamed of his laziness. Clearly, however, he is not – because according to the funeral director he has done it before, and he’ll continue to do it unless held accountable.

By all means, write a letter to the priest telling him how, rather than comforting you, his homily upset you. Then copy the bishop with the letter.

Dear Abby: I’m a college student who lives in a dorm. My problem is, I live next door to a moocher. One time, “Ms. Moocher” came into my room and asked if she could unplug my TV and take it into her room to watch “The O.C.” on it. Another time, she came waltzing in my room carrying my hairbrush, which she had taken without my permission.

Recently I returned from a weekend away to find that half my popcorn was gone. It turned out that Ms. Moocher had eaten it.

She has my cell phone number and can call and ask me when she wants to borrow my things. I have no problem with sharing with her, but her taking my things without asking is just plain rude. I know I need to talk to her, but I don’t know what to say because I have to coexist with her for the rest of the year. Please help! – Fed Up in Athens, Ga.

Dear Fed Up: Unless you can find the backbone to tell your neighbor firmly, “I do not want you taking my things without asking first,” it’s time to buy a lock for your dorm room door and use it when you’re not there. Either way, Ms. Moocher will get the message.

Contact the writer: Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Write Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.